Backpacker killed in motorbike accident while in Laos

A YOUNG man was killed whilst backpacking in Laos when his motorbike crashed into a lorry.

Sam Fournaise, 22, who lived with his parents in The Copse, Billericay was travelling on his gap year with his girlfriend. They left on February 13 last year and planned to visit Thailand, Laos and Australia.

Mr Fournaise's motorbike collided with a lorry delivering stones and he died from multiple injuries on May 3. He had fractured his neck and chest and suffered internal injuries.

His girlfriend received minor injuries but survived the crash. An inquest into his death held on January 10 confirmed that he died as a result of accident.

Following Sam's death his parents, Jill and Paul Fournaise travelled to Laos to take his body home.

Sam had graduated from university and had finished work in Chelmsford to go travelling. Coroner Mrs Caroline Beasley-Murray said: "He was clearly a young man with a very bright future. I hope you can treasure the happy positive memories you have."

Sam's brother Eric Fournaise, 26, said: "We were in close contact with Sam whilst he was backpacking and he was living the dream.

"We wanted to give an incite into how we have been affected and make families aware of what it's like out there. The level of care here is miles different to Laos and Asian countries-it's almost non-existent and the conditions in hospitals aren't the same.

"The kind of care and attention that's given to incidents in Laos is not what we expected. We wanted a full investigation into Sam's death and that's not what we've received.

"It's very difficult to put into words how we feel. Sam will be sorely missed."